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What the Bible says
What Does the Bible Say About Joy?
The Bible speaks of a joy deeper than happiness, rooted not in circumstances but in God, so that we can rejoice even in hard seasons.
Biblical joy is not the denial of pain but a gladness anchored in God's presence and promises. Paul wrote of rejoicing from a prison cell, because his joy did not depend on his surroundings.
This joy is a fruit of the Spirit, given rather than manufactured. It grows as we stay near to God, in whose presence, the Psalms say, there is fullness of joy.
Key Bible verses
“Neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Nehemiah 8:10 · King James Version (public domain)
“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”
Psalm 16:11 · King James Version (public domain)
“These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.”
John 15:11 · King James Version (public domain)
“Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.”
Philippians 4:4 · King James Version (public domain)
How this points to Jesus
For the joy set before Him, Jesus endured the cross. He carried our sorrows so that we could share His joy, a joy that no one can take away. When we abide in Him, His own joy fills us, steady beneath the changing weather of our lives.